Collapsible storage container

ABSTRACT

Example embodiments of the present invention include an improved collapsible storage container that may be modular and stackable. For example, the container can include side panels and a bottom panel that interlock with each other using tension between the panels of the container. In addition, a user may assemble and disassemble the container without tools and store the panels in a compact manner.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application 62/061,589, filed Oct. 8, 2014. The entire contentsof the foregoing patent application are hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to storage containers. Morespecifically, the present disclosure relates to a collapsible storagecontainer that, in some embodiments, may stack with similar storagecontainers.

2. Background and Relevant Art

Containers, such as boxes, are a useful tool for users in manyindustries and generally allow users to transport and store items in arelatively inexpensive and efficient way. For example, a user can use acontainer to move items from one location to another. For instance, auser may fill a container with items such as books, vinyl records,papers, cords, valuables, electronics, clothing, or other items, whichthe user can then transport via the container. A user can also use acontainer to store a variety of items.

Conventional containers, however, suffer from a number of limitationsand drawbacks. For example, a conventional container can take up largeamounts of space when not is use to store or transport items. If anunused container is taking up too much space, a user will discard ordestroy the container. In some instances, a user may break the containersuch that the user cannot reassemble the container again.

Some conventional containers allow a user to disassemble and laterreassemble the container. For example, when containers are made out ofcardboard, such as a bankers box, a user can flatten and/or otherwisecompact the container when not in use. However, conventional containersmade of rigid and sturdy materials other than cardboard do not typicallybreak down into flat and/or compact pieces. Additionally, the brokendown pieces of conventional containers are often of varying sizes and/orodd or irregular shapes.

Further, conventional containers that can be disassembled andreassembled for later use are often weak and lack adequate sturdiness.For example, conventional containers can easily tear, bend, or otherwisebreak. In addition, conventional containers often dent, crack, and/orfail (e.g., collapse) when stacked together. As another example,conventional containers can break when being used to transport items(e.g., handles can break, container bottoms can fall out, etc.) Further,many conventional containers can degrade over time, such as in the caseof cardboard containers, especially when exposed to the elements.

Accordingly, there are a number of considerations to be made inproviding a new and improved container that maintains some or all of theadvantageous features of conventional containers.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Example embodiments of the present invention include an improvedcontainer design that allows the container to easily be broken down andrebuilt while still providing solid structural support. In oneembodiment, the container can easily be assembled as well as broken downin to multiple pieces of the same size and relative dimensions. Inaddition, the container, when constructed, may provide a durable andsturdy method for users to store or transport items.

In one or more embodiments, the container can include various featuresthat allow a user to easily assemble the container by hand and withouttools as well as to collapse the container down into a small compactform when not in use. To illustrate, the container may includeinterlocking panels that can secure the container together whenassembled. For example, the container can include panels that havewindows (e.g., holes or cavities) along the panel's edges. Further, thecontainer can include panels that have tabs and ribs (e.g.,protrusions). The tabs and ribs can align and interlock with the windowsto secure the container together. In particular, the tabs can align thedifferent panels together and the ribs can interlock, secure, and pullthe various panels together. In addition, the panels can includeadditional features that help secure the container together whenassembled and provide for increased support when using the container.Furthermore, the design of the edges of the panels provides a uniqueinterlocking feature that allows the container to solidly stack withsimilar-type containers, regardless of whether the opening of thecontainer is facing horizontally or vertically.

Additional features and advantages of exemplary embodiments will be setforth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious fromthe description, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplaryembodiments. The features and advantages of such embodiments may berealized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinationsparticularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and otherfeatures will become more fully apparent from the following description,or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary embodiments as setforth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above recited and otheradvantages and features can be obtained, a more particular descriptionwill be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that areillustrated in the appended drawings. It should be noted that thefigures are not drawn to scale, and that elements of similar structureor function are generally represented by like reference numerals forillustrative purposes throughout the figures. Understanding that thesedrawings depict only typical embodiments and are not thereforeconsidered to be limiting, such embodiments will be described andexplained with additional specificity and detail through the use of theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible storage container inaccordance with one or more embodiments;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the collapsible storage container inaccordance with one or more embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the collapsible storage container inaccordance with one or more embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the collapsible storage container in accordancewith one or more embodiments; and

FIG. 5 is a top view of the collapsible storage container in accordancewith one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments of the present invention include an improvedcontainer design that allows the container to easily be broken down andrebuilt while still providing solid structural support. In one example,the container can easily be assembled as well as broken down in tomultiple pieces of the same size and dimension. In addition, thecontainer, when constructed, may provide a durable and sturdy method forusers to store or transport items. Further, in some embodiments of thepresent invention the improved container may be compatible and stackablewith other similar containers.

In one or more embodiments, the container can include various featuresthat allow a user to easily assemble the container by hand as well as tocollapse the container down into a small compact form when not in use.To illustrate, the container may include interlocking panels that cansecure the container together when assembled. For example, the containercan include a first set of panels that have windows (e.g., holes orcavities) along the panel's edges. Further, the container can include asecond set of panels that have tabs and ribs (e.g., protrusions). Thetabs and ribs on the second set of panels can align and interlock withthe windows on the second set of panels to secure the containertogether. Further, the tabs can align the different panels together andthe ribs can interlock, secure, and pull the various panels together.Moreover, the panels can include additional features that help securethe container together when assembled and provide for increased supportwhen using the container. Additional examples and features are providedin further detail below.

Example embodiments of the container can be further understood by adiscussion of the accompanying drawings. For example, FIGS. 1-5illustrate various views of an example of a collapsible storagecontainer 100 (or simply, “container 100”). In particular, FIG. 1illustrates a perspective view of the container 100 in accordance withone or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 2 is an exploded view ofthe container 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments describedherein. FIGS. 3-5 each illustrates different views of the container 100shown in FIG. 1. Reference will be made to each of FIGS. 1-2 indescribing various example features of the container 100.

The container 100 can include five panels. In particular, the container100 includes two handle side panels 110 a-b, two ribbed side panels 120a-b, and a ribbed bottom panel 130. In some example embodiments, the twohandle side panels 110 a-b (or collectively, “handle side panels 110”)may include similar features to each other. Further, in some exampleembodiments, the two ribbed side panels 120 a-b (or collectively,“ribbed side panels 120”) can also include similar features to eachother. In other embodiments, the handle side panels 110 and/or theribbed side panels 120 can be different from each other.

Each handle side panels 110 can include a cavity 112 a-b (or simply“cavity 112”) near a first edge (e.g., the top open edge when thecontainer 100 is fully assembled) that can serve as a handle. One willappreciate that the first handle side panel 110 a includes the cavity112 a and the second handle side panel 110 b includes the cavity 112 b.For simplicity, both here and throughout the disclosure, the handle sidepanels 110 will be described as having features that are included onboth the first handle side panel 110 a and the second handle side panel110 b. For example, as described above, the cavity 112 may refer to thecavity 112 a of the first handle side panel 110 a and the cavity 112 bof the second handle side panel 110 b. Also for simplicity, duplicativeand symmetrical features of the container 100 are not all labeled withreference numbers in the figures. Similar considerations (e.g.,collectively referring to common elements and not duplicating referencenumbering) have been applied to the ribbed side panels 120 and theribbed bottom panel 130 described herein and as illustrated in thefigures.

The cavity 112 on the handle side panels 110 may be located in variouspositions, shaped in various configurations, and vary in size. In someexample embodiments, the handle side panels 110 may have multiplecavities that may be used as handles. As shown, the cavity 112 islocated near the first edge (e.g., the top edge) of the handle sidepanels 110. In one or more embodiments, the cavity 112 is located nearone of the side edges of the handle side panels 110, adjacent to wherethe handle side panels 110 interconnect with the ribbed side panels 120.The cavity 112 is also sized to comfortably fit a user's hand.Alternatively, the cavity 112 can include one or more cavities sized tocomfortably fit one or more fingers of a user's hand. Further, thecavity 112 may be shaped to provide an ergonomic way for a user to liftthe container 100.

The handle side panels 110 can also include multiple windows (e.g.,slots, holes, openings, etc.). The windows on the handle side panels 110can be located near each edge, other than the edge near where the cavity112 is located. For example, if the cavity 112 is located on the firstedge, the windows can be located (moving in a counter clockwise motion)on the second, third, and fourth edges of the handle side panels 110(i.e., the side and bottom edges of the panel when the container isassembled). In addition, the windows can be configured in variousshapes, such as rectangular, circular, triangular, polygonal, dogbone-like, or another shape. Further, the shape of the windows mayinclude rounded corners or edges, or alternatively, sharp corners oredges. To illustrate, a rectangular shape with circular holes drilled ineach corner of the rectangle (e.g., thus, appearing like a dog bone) mayallow for increased functionality, as described below.

The windows in the handle side panels 110 may include tab windows 114a-b (or collectively “tab windows 114”) and rib windows 116 a-b (orcollectively “rib windows 116”). The tab windows 114 may correspond totabs 124 on the ribbed side panels 120 and may allow the handle sidepanels 110 and the ribbed side panels 120 to join and construct aportion of the container 100, as described below. Similarly, the ribwindows 116 may correspond to ribs 126 on the ribbed side panels 120 andmay allow the handle side panels 110 and the ribbed side panels 120 tointerlock with each other, as also described below.

In some example embodiments, the window sizes may vary. For example, asshown in the figures, one tab window (e.g., the tab window in the centerof the edges of the handle side panels 110, such as tab window 114 a)may be larger in size than the other tab windows on the same handle sidepanel edge. One will appreciate that the size of each window, the numberof tab windows, and the location to the windows can vary along eachhandle side panel edge without departing from the scope of theinvention.

Further, in various embodiments, the corners where a tab meets theribbed side panel 120 from which the tab extends can be indented,hollowed, or tapered. In particular, the two corners where the tab meetsthe ribbed side panel 120 to which the tab is connected may be drilledout, similar to the dog bone feature associated with the tab windows 114and the rib windows 116 described above. In this manner, when a tab on aribbed side panel 120 extends through a window on a handle side panel110, the inner edges (e.g., the parts of the edge that are not tabbed)of the ribbed side panel 120 do not have sharp corners that jam up withedges of the windows on the handle side panel 110. Further, indenting ortapering the corners where a tab meets the ribbed side panel 120 fromwhich it extends allows the ribbed side panel 120 to better fit, betterprovide necessary give, and better support the handle side panel 110when the two panels are interlocked with one another.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the tab windows 114 and the rib windows 116 mayalternate with each other. For example, on each side of the handle sidepanels 110 that include the windows (e.g., the tab windows 114 and therib windows 116), there may be three tab windows 114 with two ribwindows 116 between the three tab windows 114. In alternate embodiments,the configuration of each handle side panel edge may vary. For example,the second and fourth handle side panel edges (i.e., the side edges of ahandle side panel) may have a different window configuration than thethird handle side panel edge (i.e., the bottom edge of a handle sidepanel). To illustrate, the third handle side panel edge (i.e., thebottom edge of a handle side panel) may have a single tab window in thecenter that spans a length equal to at least half the edge and two ribwindows on each side of the single tab window, while the second andfourth handle side panel edges (i.e., the side edges of a handle sidepanel) are configured as described above.

Further, in some example embodiments, the tab windows 114 and the ribwindows 116 may be symmetrical along each handle side panel edge onwhich the windows are located, as illustrated by the figures.Alternatively, the tab windows 114 may be configured in various sizes,shapes, and configurations. For example, the tab windows on one side ofa handle side panel may be larger than the tab windows on the other sideof the same handle side panel. In another example, the tab windows onone edge (e.g., a first side panel edge) of a handle side panel may bearranged differently from the tab windows on another edge (e.g., of asecond side panel edge) of the same handle side panel.

As mentioned above, FIGS. 1-2 also illustrate ribbed side panels 120 a-b(or collectively “ribbed side panels 120”). Each ribbed side panel 120may include tabs 124 and ribs 126. The tabs 124 and ribs 126 may belocated on the second and fourth edges of the ribbed side panels 120(i.e., the side edges of the ribbed side panels 120, where the firstedge of the ribbed side panel is the top open edge when the container100 is fully assembled). In addition, the tabs 124 and ribs 126 mayprotrude (e.g., overhang or extend) beyond the second and fourth edgesof the ribbed side panels 120. Further, the tabs 124 and ribs 126 on thesecond edge of the ribbed side panels 120 may correspond to windows onthe first handle side panel 110 a, while the tabs 124 and ribs 126 onthe fourth edge of the ribbed side panels 120 may correspond to windowson the second handle side panel 110 b.

The tabs 124 along each edge of the ribbed side panels 120 maycorrespond to tab windows 114 of the handle side panel 110. As such, theposition of a tab 124 on the ribbed side panels 120 may correspond tothe position of a corresponding tab window 114 on an adjacent handleside panel 110. To illustrate, a tab 124 may slide into, and in somecases, through a corresponding tab window 114 on an adjacent handle sidepanel 110. Further, when the tabs 124 engage with corresponding tabwindows 114, the ribbed side panels 120 may properly align with thehandle side panels 110 (e.g., properly form the sidewalls of thecontainer 100).

In addition, the size of each tab 124 may correspond to the size of acorresponding tab window 114. For example, the relationship between atab 124 and a tab window 114 is such that the tab 124 snugly fits into atab window 114. For instance, larger tabs 124 may correspond to largertab windows 114. However, a tab 124 should be able to still engage anddisengage from a corresponding tab window 114 to allow the container tobe easily assembled and disassembled. To illustrate, the tab 124 may bea rectangular shape while the corresponding tab window 114 may be shapedlike a rectangular shape with one or more corners drilled out (e.g.,appearing like a dog bone). In this manner, the tab 124 may come incontact with the middle portions of the window edges, which may providesupport to the tab 124, while not coming into contact with the cornersof the window edge, which may allow the tab 124 to be easily insertedand removed.

In addition, the ribbed side panels 120 may include multiple ribs 126.Each rib 126 may correspond to a rib window 116. For example, asillustrated in FIGS. 1-2, the two ribs on the second edge of the firstribbed side panel 120 a may correspond to the rib windows 116 on thefirst handle side panel 110 a. Similarly, the two ribs on the fourthedge of the first ribbed side panel 120 a may correspond to the ribwindows 116 on the second handle side panel 110 b.

Each rib 126 may include a tooth-like latch (e.g., a cam surface) at theend of the rib 126. The latch may allow the rib 126 to fasten to the ribwindow 116 on a handle side panel 110. In particular, the latch may havean indentation in the rib that allows the rib to catch on to the ribwindow 116. For example, a rib 126 may pass through and beyond acorresponding rib window 126, as described above. The rib 126 may passthrough the rib window 126 to the extent that the latch on the rib 126passes through the rib window 116 and contacts the outside surface ofthe handle side panel 110 (e.g., the area supporting the tab window116). Accordingly, the tooth-like latch on a rib 126 may allow theribbed side panels 120 to fasten to the handle side panels 110.

In one or more embodiments, each rib 126 may start at a position awayfrom the edge of a ribbed side panel 120 (e.g., start near, but not at,the middle of the ribbed side panel 120). Further, each rib 126 mayextend from the starting point to, or beyond, the edge of the ribbedside panel 120 without contacting other edges or parts of the ribbedside panel 120. In this manner, each rib 126 may flex (e.g., shift backand forth, up and down, and/or side to side) along the edge of theribbed side panel 120. A flexible rib 126 provides a number ofadvantages as will be discussed below. For example, a flexible rib 126allows the rib 126 to securely fasten to a corresponding rib window 116.In addition, the flexible rib 126 allows the rib 126 to detach from thecorresponding rib window 116. Moreover, in one or more embodiments, eachrib 126 can be curved or straight.

As mentioned above, the tabs 124 on the ribbed side panels 120 may joinwith the tab windows 114 on the handle side panels 110 to properly aligneach panel with one another. As such, the tabs 124 on the ribbed sidepanels 120 align with the tab windows 114 on the handle side panels 110.In contrast, rib windows 116 may be offset from corresponding ribs 126to require the ribs 126 to first flex outward (e.g., away from thetooth-like latch indentation) before passing though the rib windows 116.Once the ribs 126 pass through the corresponding rib windows 116, theribs 126 may relax inwards (e.g., unflex) and fasten on the outside ofthe rib windows 116. In particular, the latch of a rib 126 may catch(e.g., fasten) on the surface area surrounding the rib windows 116 asthe rib 126 relaxes after passing through the rib window 116. In thismanner, the ribs 126 are secured to corresponding rib windows 116, atleast in part, by the tension force of the ribs 126. Accordingly, byrequiring the ribs 126 to flex to engage with the rib windows 116, theribs 126 can securely hold the ribbed side panels 120 to the handle sidepanels 110.

Further, as mentioned above, the ribs 126 may be required to flex tounfasten the ribs 126 from corresponding rib windows 116. To illustrate,as described above, when the ribs 126 are engaged (e.g., fastened) tocorresponding rib windows 116, the ribs 126 remain in place under thetension force exerted by the ribs 126 not being able to return to anunflexed position. Alternatively, a rib 126 may be in an unflexedposition, but caught on a rib window by the latch indentation on the rib126. In any case, because the ribs 126 are fastened to the rib windows116, the ribs 126 may need to be flexed again to allow the latch on eachrib 126 to clear the rib window 116. Thus, by flexing the ribs 126(e.g., increasing the tension force), and sliding the ribs 126 out ofthe corresponding rib windows 116, a user may disconnect the ribs 126from corresponding rib windows 116, and the ribbed side panels 120 andthe handle side panels 110 can be separated. In some embodiments, theuser may need to disengage two ribs 126 at once to disconnect a rib sidepanel 120 from a handle side panel 110.

The flex tolerance and/or the tension force of each rib 126 may bedetermined by a number of factors including the length of the rib 126,the angle the rib 126, the configuration of the rib 126 (e.g., where therib 126 starts and ends), the thickness of each ribbed side panels 120,the material of which each panel is made, the offset between the rib 126from a corresponding rib window 116, the latch size of the rib 126, etc.By modifying the various factors of each rib 126, one can adjust thebalance between tension force and rib flexibility. Overall, each ribshould achieve a high-tension force while still providing a sufficientamount of flexibility to attach and detach the ribs 126 from the ribwindows 116. In this manner, the container 100 can be secured such thatthe panels do not shift or rattle when used, even when the container 100is used to transport heavy loads.

In some example embodiments, the ribs 126 on one edge of the ribbed sidepanels 120 may be symmetrical with each other. In particular, the tworibs 126 on the same edge of a ribbed side panel may flex in an oppositedirections to provide opposing tension forces when securing the ribbedside panels 120 to the handle side panels 110. Alternatively, the ribs126 on the same edge of a ribbed side panel may not be symmetrical. Forexample, one rib 126 may be shorter while another rib 126 may be longer.As another alternative, one rib 126 may be straight while another ribmay be curved. In one or more embodiments, an edge of a ribbed sidepanel may have only one rib 126. In alternative embodiments, an edge ofa ribbed side panel may have two or more ribs 126. Additionally oralternatively, an edge of a ribbed side panel may have an odd number ofribs 126. Further, the ribs may have tension forces in the samedirection as each other such that the ribs 126 create tension while thetabs 124 on the same ribbed side panel edge hold the container panels inplace (e.g., the ribs 126 in connection with the tabs 124 create atension force sufficient to hold the panels together).

In one or more embodiments, the ribs 126 may include a notch near theend of the rib (i.e., along one side of the rib near the latch end) toallow a user to conveniently detach the ribbed side panel 120 from thehandle side panel when the panels are attached. For example, a circularnotch may allow a user to easily unflex the rib 126 from the rib window116 by allowing a user to insert his or her fingers and unflex the rib126. In some embodiments, the notch on the rib 126 may have a secondcomplementary notch proximate the notch on the ribbed side panel itself.In this manner, if the channel where the rib 126 can flex is too smallto fit a finger, the notches may form a circular cutout that allows auser to insert his or her fingers and unflex the rib 126 to detach theribbed side panel 120 from the handle side panel 110.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the ribbed side panels 120 and the handle sidepanels 110 may be perpendicular to each other. In other words, when thetwo ribbed side panels 120 are fastened to the handle side panels 110 ina perpendicular manner, the two panels may form the sidewalls of thecontainer 100. Further, in this configuration, the ribbed side panels120 are parallel with each other and the handle side panels 110 areparallel with each other.

In one or more embodiments, adding a ribbed bottom panel 130 to theremaining panels (e.g., the ribbed side panels 120 and the handle sidepanels 110) completes the container 100. The ribbed bottom panel 130 mayslide into a groove located near or on the third edge of the ribbed sidepanels 120 (e.g., groove 122 a on the bottom edge of the ribbed sidepanel 120 a). In particular, the ribbed bottom panel 130 may have a tab132 along the first edge and a tab 132 along the third edge (i.e., theedges that do not have ribs) that couples with the grooves in eachribbed side panel 120. The single tab 132 and corresponding groove canbe any length and/or size.

Further, the ribbed bottom panel 130 may have tabs 134 and ribs 136along the second and the fourth bottom ribbed panel edges, similar tothe tabs 124 and ribs 126 described above. The tabs 134 and ribs 136 mayconnect to the tab windows 114 and rib windows 116 on the third side(i.e., the bottom edge) of the handle side panels 110, as describedabove. When the container 100 is formed (e.g., all panels are attachedto each other), the ribbed bottom panel 130 may be perpendicular to theribbed side panels 120 and the handle side panels 110.

In some example embodiments, the handle side panels 110 and/or theribbed side panels 120 can include interlocking tabs 118 along the sidesof the edges. The interlocking tabs 118 allow one container 100 to stackwith another container 100 or a shelving rack/system. In other words,the interlocking tabs 118 are patterned such that two containers (e.g.,two functionally equivalent containers) can stack on each other,regardless of which direction the opening of the container 100 faces.For example, the interlocking tabs 118 may allow multiple containers 100to vertically stack, in a secure manner, with the opening facingstraight out (e.g., one of the ribbed side panels 120 on the bottom in ahorizontal position, the other ribbed side panel 120 on the top in ahorizontal position, the handle side panels 110 are on the sides in avertical position, and the bottom ribbed panel 130 is in the back in avertical position). In this manner, a user can use multiple containersto facilitate a variety of functions, such as forming a modular shelvingsystem. Further, because each container 100 is strong, sturdy, andsecure, the user can stack a number of containers together without worryof the containers collapsing or breaking

In one or more embodiments, the interlocking tabs 118 are divided alongthe side edge of the handle side panels 110 and/or the ribbed sidepanels 120. In other words, an interlocking edge 118 can have multipleinterlocking tabs, with each alternating interlocking tab being on adifferent edge side than the previous and/or next interlocking tab (withslight overlap in some embodiments). In this manner, when theinterlocking tabs of two containers are joined together, the alternatingtabs fasten and/or mate together to provide a secure connection betweenthe two interlocking tabs, and thus, the two containers.

As described above, a user can disassemble (i.e., take apart) thecontainer 100. Each panel can separate from the other panels when thecontainer 100 is not in use. In addition, because each panel is the samerelative size, a user may easily store the panels in a compact manner(e.g., stacked in a uniform manner). Further, similar to assembling thecontainer 100, a user can disassemble the container 100 without the needof tools.

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate various perspectives of the container 100 describedabove. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevational view of thecontainer 100 showing a ribbed side panel 120 a. The front elevationalview is similar to the back elevational view of the container 100, whichincludes the other ribbed side panel 120 b. FIG. 4 illustrates a sideelevational view of the container 100 showing a handle side panel 110 a.The side elevational view is similar to the other side elevational viewof the container 100, which includes the other handle side panel 110 b.FIG. 5 illustrates a top plan view of the container 100 showing the topsurface of the ribbed bottom panel 130. The top plan view is similar tothe bottom plan view of the container 100, which includes the bottomsurface of the ribbed bottom panel 130.

Regardless of the final design, the container 100 can be made using avariety of materials. In one example, the container 100 includes a highstrength laminate wood. Nevertheless, other materials may be used, suchas metals, composites, woods, plastics, etc., or derivatives therefrom.Further, the container 100 may be constructed in a variety of sizes andshapes. For example, in some embodiments, the handle side panels 110 andtwo parallel side of the bottom ribbed panel 130 may be longer than theribbed side panels 120 (e.g., to form a rectangular box).

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

We claim:
 1. A storage container comprising: a first panel and a secondpanel, the first panel being parallel to the second panel, wherein thefirst panel and the second panel each comprise: four edges, a topsurface, and a bottom surface, comprising: a cavity near a first edge ofthe four edges and a plurality of windows near the remaining three edgesof the four edges, the plurality of windows comprising tab windows andrib windows; a third panel and a fourth panel, the third panel beingparallel to the fourth panel and both the third panel and the fourthpanel being perpendicular to the first panel and the second panel,wherein the third panel and the fourth panel each comprise: four edges,a top surface and a bottom surface, comprising: a plurality of tabs onthe second edge and the fourth edge that align with the plurality of tabwindows near the second edge and the fourth edge of the first panel andthe second panel; a plurality of ribs on the second edge and the fourthedge that fasten to corresponding rib windows on the second edge and thefourth edge of the first panel and the second panel, wherein the ribsare offset from the corresponding rib windows on the second edge and thefourth edge of the first panel and the second panel, the offset creatingtension between the plurality of ribs on the third panel and the fourthpanel and the corresponding rib windows on the second edge and thefourth edge of the first panel and the second panel; and a groove alongthe third edge; and a bottom panel, the bottom panel being perpendicularto the first panel, the second panel, the third panel, and the fourthpanel, wherein the bottom panel comprises: four edges, a top surface anda bottom surface, comprising: a first tab on the first edge, the firsttab coupling with the groove along the third edge of the third panel; asecond tab on the third edge, the second tab coupling with the groovealong the third edge of the fourth panel; a plurality of tabs on thesecond edge and the fourth edge that align with the plurality of tabwindows near the third edge of the first panel and the third edge of thesecond panel; and a plurality of ribs on the second edge and the fourthedge that fasten to the plurality of rib windows near the third edge ofthe first panel and the third edge of the second panel, wherein the ribsare offset from the corresponding rib windows, the offset creatingtension between the plurality of ribs on the bottom panel and thecorresponding rib windows of the first panel and the second panel. 2.The storage container of claim 1, wherein the plurality of windows onthe first panel and the second panel are rectangular in shape, eachwindow having side walls adjoining at corners, wherein each corner isrounded out and extends beyond the side walls such that a tab or ribbeing placed in a window of the plurality of windows contacts the sidewalls of the window without contacting the corners on the window.
 3. Thestorage container of claim 1, wherein one or more windows of theplurality of windows are shaped like a dog bone.
 4. The storagecontainer of claim 1, wherein the first panel and the second panelfurther comprise interlocking tabs on sides of the four edges.
 5. Thestorage container of claim 4, wherein the interlocking tabs comprisealternating tabs that alternate along the sides of the fourth edges ofthe first panel and the second panel.
 6. The storage container of claim5, wherein each interlocking tab of the interlocking tabs comprises anodd number of tabs per side edge of the four edges.
 7. The storagecontainer of claim 5, wherein the storage container securely interlockswith a second storage container that is functionally identical to thestorage container.
 8. The storage container of claim 4, wherein theinterlocking tabs along the remaining three edges of the first panel andthe second panel are aligned with the plurality of windows near theremaining three edges of the first panel and the second panel.
 9. Thestorage container of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ribs on thesecond edge and the fourth edge of the bottom panel flex away from eachother to allow the plurality of ribs to pass through the offset ribwindows near the third edge the first panel and the second panel. 10.The storage container of claim 9, wherein the plurality of ribs on thesecond edge and the fourth edge of the bottom panel, upon passingthrough the rib windows near the third edge the first panel and thesecond panel, unflex towards each other to fasted the bottom panel tothe first panel and the second panel.
 11. The storage container of claim1, wherein each rib of the plurality of ribs on the second edge and thefourth edge of the bottom panel comprise a latch at an end of each rib,and wherein the latch indentation is rounded on one side and indented onan opposite side.
 12. The storage container of claim 1, wherein thelatch indentation at the second edge and the fourth edge of the bottompanel is used to fasten the bottom panel to the first panel and thesecond panel.
 13. The storage container of claim 1, wherein each rib ofthe plurality of ribs on the second edge and the fourth edge of thebottom panel comprise a notch near the latch along a neck of the eachrib.
 14. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the storage containeris high strength laminate wood.
 15. The storage container of claim 1,wherein each panel of the storage container is square.
 16. The storagecontainer of claim 1, wherein the storage container can be assembled anddisassembled within tools.
 17. The storage container of claim 14,wherein each panel of the storage container can stack compactly when thestorage container is disassembled.
 18. The storage container of claim 1,wherein the cavity near the first edge of the first panel and the secondpanel is a handle for the storage container.
 19. A panel of acollapsible storage container, comprising: a front surface having afirst edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge; wherein thefirst edge is parallel with the second edge, the third edge is parallelwith the fourth edge, and the first edge is perpendicularly connected tothe third edge and the fourth edge; wherein the first edge and thesecond edge each comprise at least one fixed tab; wherein the first edgeand the second edge each comprise a plurality of flexible ribs, eachflexible rib of the plurality of flexible ribs comprising an end havinga latch; wherein each flexible rib of the plurality of ribs extends fromwithin the front surface to the end having the latch, the latch being inline with the at least one fixed tab along the first edge and the secondedge; wherein the latch end of each flexible rib of the plurality offlexible ribs can move perpendicularly along the first edge and thesecond edge; and wherein the front surface comprises a grove adjacent toand parallel with the third edge, the groove extending the length of thefront surface; and a back surface, which shares the first edge, thesecond edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge with the front surface,including the at least one fixed tab and the plurality of flexible ribs.20. The panel of claim 1, wherein the plurality of flexible ribs on eachof the first edge and the second edge comprise two flexible ribs, andwherein the two flexible ribs flex away from one another.